2006 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Kia Sorento: 1 recall, 242 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #09V130000 · 2009 · 139,844 vehicles
What's wrong: The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles May malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch May cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or May cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A stop lamp switch malfunction May also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission shifter would not be able…
Why it matters: Any of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, May lead to a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (67): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (27), warning light on (26).
- Exterior lights (56): the most common themes are electrical failure (21), warning light on (7).
- Electrical (53): the most common themes are electrical failure (36), stalls / loses power (12).
- Transmission & drivetrain (35): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (10), noise or vibration (9).
The 2006 Kia Sorento has 242 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 24 Sorento model years for complaints (well below the 425 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (43 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 81,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (307 complaints, 0 recalls), 2007 (154 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Kia Sorento.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2006 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2006 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners have filed 242 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (67), exterior lights (56), electrical (53).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Kia Sorento repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.